2023-2024 Course Catalog

Business and Data Science

The undergraduate business curriculum begins with core courses which address key internal business functions and the external conditions in which businesses operate. Courses in management, economics, marketing, analytics, finance, and accounting provide the foundation for advanced study in a chosen business major. Students master and apply the essential elements of strategy, operations, business law/ethics, leadership, entrepreneurship, and finance. Sustainability principles are infused throughout the business curriculum as the primary means of ensuring long term business resilience.

Undergraduate "on ground" majors are offered in Accounting, Applied Data Science, Economics, International Business, Management, and Marketing. Chatham also offers an online-only degree completion program in Business Administration.

As of 5.1.23, the Management Information Systems (MIS) program is no longer accepting applications. All currently enrolled students will progress through the program to completion. Students interested in this program should explore our applied data science program and our business majors.

Curriculum

+Minor Requirements

The business minor is designed to provide an overview of some of the basic functions of business and the environment in which business operates. Electives allow a student to focus on their goals and interests. Because of the overlap with the business core curriculum, this minor is generally available only to majors outside of the business disciplines. 18 credits: 4 required courses and 2 electives from a specific list (or Program Director approval).

Required Courses

ACT222 Financial Accounting Principles I

This course represents an introduction to accounting principles including the accounting process, double-entry bookkeeping, adjusting entries, and the preparation of financial statements. The objectives of this course are to make students aware of the importance of accounting information in every type of organization (private business, not-for-profit, and governmental).

3
BUS105 Foundations of Business

This course introduces the theory and practice of business and fosters analytical thinking. Students build a foundation for learning by gaining an understanding of business organizations, their structure and functions, the increasingly dynamic and complex global setting in which they compete, and the fundamentals of sustainable business practices.

3
BUS243 Principles of Marketing

This course introduces students to the basic concepts of marketing strategy and management. Basic marketing concepts such as strategic segmentation, targeting, positioning, product design, pricing, promotions and distribution are covered. Environmental sustainability is analyzed from the consumer perspective.

3
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ECN101 Principles of Macroeconomics

The concepts of national income and output are analyzed, and emphasis is placed on factors that influence the levels of economic activity, unemployment, and inflation, including fiscal and monetary policy and the role of international economics.

3
OR
ECN102 Principles of Microeconomics

Microeconomics is the study of how households and firms make decisions and how they interact in specific markets. Students are introduced to the basic concepts and tools that economists use to understand how the economy works. This course is designed to increase economic literacy through acquiring core knowledge about economics.

3
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Two (2) Approved Business Electives:

BUS301 Introduction to Continuous Improvement Methodologies

This course introduces students to concepts, tools, and skills essential for problem solving, decision making, and change management using continuous improvement methodologies. Continuous improvement methodologies covered in the course include introductions to Lean, Six Sigma, the Toyota Production System, and Agile. The course will include a class project.

Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses:
  • BUS110 Business Statistics
  • MTH110 Elementary Statistics
  • 3
    BUS350 Advertising and Promotion

    This course offers a detailed study of advertising and promotion, including public relations and support media. An integrated marketing communications perspective is emphasized. Advertising and promotion are examined utilizing a range of media outlets, including the internet, television, consumer magazines and professional journals.

    Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses:
  • BUS243 Principles of Marketing
  • BUS243W Principles of Marketing
  • 3
    BUS357 Strategy and Entrepreneurial Ventures

    This course illustrates the strategic management framework by taking students through the entrepreneurial process from start-up growth while exploring the personal and professional challenges. The student examines key issues in opportunity recognition, financing models, strategic choices, and sources of competitive advantage at different stages of the firm's development.

    3
    BUS390 Human Resources Management

    This course uses readings and case studies to assess and evaluate alternative approaches in staffing, training and development, organization development, performance appraisal, compensation, benefits, labor relations, and collective bargaining. The emphasis of the course is to help students understand these elements of human resources management within an integrated systems approach.

    3
    BUS395W Leadership and Management

    This course builds students' ability to identify challenges facing managers in 21st century organizations. The course covers theories and applications of leadership in the changing environment of today's world. Students learn organizational skills, presentation skills, and critical thinking skills. Writing skills are emphasized.

    Pre-requisites Complete the following course:
  • BUS105 Foundations of Business
  • 3
    BUS413 Operations

    This course introduces students to technical tools and skills essential for problem solving and decision making in operations management. Topics include manufacturing and service operations, inventory optimization, network planning, demand forecasting, transportation planning, product planning, Lean and Six Sigma. Mastery of quantitative methods using spreadsheet modeling is required.

    Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses:
  • BUS110 Business Statistics
  • MTH110 Elementary Statistics
  • PSY213 Statistics and Research Design
  • 3
    BUS423 Continuous Improvement Project Course

    Students will advance their knowledge and application in the form of a continuous improvement project. The project will apply to a process (or processes) with a designated client. Students will work independently with stakeholders of the given process to make improvements using continuous improvement methodologies.

    Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses:
  • BUS413 Logistics and Operations
  • BUS301 Introduction to Six Sigma
  • 3
    BUS445 Marketing Strategy

    This course examines the concepts and processes for gaining competitive advantage in the marketplace. It is designed around a marketing planning approach with an emphasis on strategic analysis and planning. The course takes a hands-on approach toward analyzing markets and market behavior, and matching strategies to changing market conditions.

    Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses:
  • BUS243 Principles of Marketing
  • BUS243W Principles of Marketing
  • 3
    BUS452 Managing Nonprofit Organizations

    Through the use of case studies, assignments, and class projects, this course familiarizes students with the distinctiveness of nonprofit organizations and their management. Specific topics include marketing and fund raising, budgeting, personnel management and supervision, strategic planning and implementation, environmental and program evaluation, and managing interorganizational networks.

    Pre-requisites Complete the following course:
  • BUS105 Foundations of Business
  • Complete all 2 of the following courses:
  • SWK102 Introduction to Social Work, Social Justice and Social Issues
  • SWK101 Introduction to Sociology
  • 3
    BUS462 Global Procurement

    In this course, students examine success factors, ethical challenges, legal issues, and managerial implications of global procurement. Students also develop a deep understanding of the impact of procurement on quality, cost, and efficiency of supply chain management through use of procurement tools, techniques, and methodologies.

    Pre-requisites Complete the following course:
  • BUS105 Foundations of Business
  • 3
    BUS496 Digital Marketing

    This course explores digital platforms that transform marketing, including the Internet, search engines, online advertising platforms, and digital analytics platforms. Through participation in real or simulated digital marketing projects, the student will critically apply principles of advertising, marketing analytics, and research methods.

    Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses:
  • BUS243 Principles of Marketing
  • BUS243W Principles of Marketing
  • 3
    SUS470 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

    This course helps students to understand the roles and responsibilities of organizations beyond just making an economic profit. Students are exposed to approaches to managing CSR. CSR is explored as a way for organizations to create value, thus, CSR is seen as crucial for business success in the 21st century.

    3
    ACT324 Individual Tax Accounting

    The primary emphasis of the course is on the income taxation of individuals, but the course also includes an overview of the federal taxation of other forms of business organization (e.g., corporations, partnerships). The focus of the course is on developing knowledge of tax law and its application.

    Pre-requisites Complete the following course:
  • ACT222 Financial Accounting Principles I
  • 3
    ECN351 International Trade and Finance

    An introduction to international trade and finance, and an examination of the structure of international trade and the functioning of the international monetary system. Attention is given to recent issues in these areas and the relationship between the domestic and international economies.

    Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses:
  • ECN102 Principles of Microeconomics
  • ECN101 Principles of Macroeconomics
  • 3
    ECN358W Economic Development

    An examination of the factors accounting for economic growth and development of modern economically developed nations and less-developed areas. A review of the problems encountered in initiating and sustaining the process of economic development. Major policy issues are discussed. This course fulfills a global general education mission course requirement.

    Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses:
  • ECN102 Principles of Microeconomics
  • ECN101 Principles of Macroeconomics
  • 3